A lot of CO2 is generated during the manufacturing of servers, storage media, and network components. This invisible ecological backpack increases the carbon footprint of IT hardware. The longer existing hardware is used, the smaller this share becomes. Our calculator shows you how much CO2 you can save by using your hardware, such as servers or SSDs, for longer.

Where do the numbers come from? The science behind the calculation

The values in this calculator are not estimates but are based on well-founded scientific analyses. The basis is a study by the TU Berlin ("Ecological Benefit from Extending the Use Phase of Servers"), which deals intensively with the life cycle assessments of IT hardware.

• • Server: The value for the production of a server (4,283 kg CO2e) comes from a detailed Life Cycle Assessment study by "thinkstep" for a typical enterprise server (Dell R740), which was used as a reference by TU Berlin.

• • Storage (HDD/SSD): The values are based on the scientific publication "The Dirty Secret of SSDs: Embodied Carbon". This shows that the production of SSDs causes about 8 times more CO2 than that of HDDs. Our default values are 20 kg CO2e per TB for HDDs and 160 kg CO2e per TB for SSDs.

• • Network Devices & Coal Conversion: These values are based on industry standards and data from environmental agencies such as the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) to ensure a realistic and traceable calculation.

How does the calculation work?

Our model focuses on the biggest lever for CO2 reduction: avoiding new production.

1. 1. Determining the Manufacturing Footprint: First, we calculate the total CO2 emissions that would be incurred in the manufacturing of the hardware you entered.
   2. Annual Amortization: We distribute this "CO2 debt" over the originally planned lifespan of the devices (your entry for "Original warranty").
   3. Calculating the Savings: By using the hardware longer ("Life extension"), you avoid these annual CO2 costs for each additional year. The result is your estimated total savings.

Why is this so important?

The largest part – often over 85% – of a server's carbon footprint is generated before it is even switched on. The extraction of rare earths, the energy-intensive manufacturing of microchips, and global supply chains add up to an enormous environmental burden.

By extending the lifespan of your data center hardware, you make a direct and measurable contribution to sustainability. You not only reduce CO2 emissions but also conserve valuable resources and help to avoid electronic waste. Every year a server runs longer is a win for the environment – and often for your budget as well.